Assam Election 2026: BJP Unveils 88 Candidates, CM Himanta Biswa Sarma to Contest Again from Jalukbari
The BJP has released its first list of 88 candidates for the 2026 Assam Assembly elections, naming Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma from his stronghold Jalukbari as the party kicks off its campaign to retain power in the northeastern state. The announcement signals that the ruling party has moved early to lock in key contests ahead of voting for the 126-member Assembly.
One of the biggest talking points in the list is the inclusion of Himanta Biswa Sarma, who is set to defend Jalukbari once again. The seat has long been associated with Sarma and remains central to the BJP’s political strategy in Assam, where the party is aiming for another term in office.
The first list also underlines the BJP’s broader alliance planning. Reports indicate that the party has already worked out seat-sharing arrangements with allies Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and Bodoland People’s Front (BPF), an important factor in Assam’s multi-cornered electoral landscape. That alliance arithmetic could play a major role in helping the NDA defend its hold over the state.
Another notable development is the presence of former Congress leader Pradyut Bordoloi in the BJP camp. Bordoloi joined the BJP just ahead of the candidate announcement and has been fielded from Dispur, making his switch one of the most closely watched political moves of the Assam election season so far.
The candidate list comes soon after the Election Commission announced the broader election process for Assam and other states going to the polls. According to recent reporting, voting for all 126 Assembly constituencies in Assam is scheduled in a single phase on April 9, 2026, with counting set for May 4, 2026.
Politically, the early release of names suggests the BJP wants to project preparedness, discipline and confidence. By declaring a large chunk of candidates well before polling, the party appears to be trying to give its nominees more time on the ground while also sending a message that its campaign machinery is already fully active.
This election is shaping up as a major test for all sides. For the BJP, the goal is to convert incumbency into another mandate. For the opposition, the challenge will be to build enough momentum against a ruling party that has entered the race with organization, alliances and a clear chief ministerial face already in place.
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